"They are built to order and this, a road car, is our second,” said Tony Wilson-Spratt, the son of WSM founder Douglas. "The plan is to limit it to 11 to match the original production and the price is around £30,000. We’re also restoring the WSM Healey 3000."
Barn-finds are guaranteed to create a stir, none more so than the rusty Lotus 19 chassis on display with specialist Crosthwaite and Gardiner.
One of only 17 built from 1960-'62, it was originally supplied to Harry Zweifel of Switzerland where it competed in hillclimbs before being hidden away. The Buxted-based specialist is beginning a full restoration with plans to return it competition soon.
The team also reported that production work has recommenced on its replica pre-war Silver Arrows racing cars after successful discussions with Mercedes-Benz.
Pre-war cars were thin on the ground at Race Retro, but the Vintage Sports-Car Club teamed up with the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association to display Tony Smith’s fabulous ex-Richard Shuttleworth Alfa Romeo Tipo B (above), which was undoubtedly the most valuable car on display at the show.
The VSCC also presented Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason’s treasured Aston Martin Ulster team car (above), which will feature in a special centenary race for pre-war Astons at the VSCC’s Spring Start meeting at Silverstone on 21 April.
As always, the Historic Sports Car Club had a diverse selection of machinery including Rudolf Ernstaig’s ex-Betty Haig HRG 1500 (above). The car was subtly modified for Haig with more windscreen rake and rounded wings in place of the usual square-riggers. Haig was a founder member of the HSCC and drove the HRG in the 1950 Alpine Rally and the Maloja Hillclimb, and later raced it at Goodwood.
Another car with lady rally driver history was the star of the superb Alpine A110 tribute, Chris Rabbets' timewarp ex-Pat Moss Group 4 car that Roger Clark ran for her in the ’73 British Championship.
A superb Imp Club display featured road and rally cars, plus rare engines including a Lynton twin-cam 16-valve prototype. Imp ace Bill McGovern was thrilled to see Tom Blackwood’s replica of his old race car, and regaled stand visitors with his colourful stories.